The Shawshank Redemption starring the brilliant Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins is one of the most powerful and moving films of all time. It charters the life of two men Andy Dufresne (Robbins) and the fellow inmate he befriends, known as Red (Freeman). Their friendship over 20 years of imprisonment makes up this utterly fantastic story which will move you beyond words.

Andy is serving life after he allegedly murdered his wife and her lover, a crime which he denies being part of, something you come to genuinely believe as you watch the film and get to know the characters properly. Red is a veteran inmate who takes Andy under his wing and helps him survive prison life. Andy soon hatchs an escape plan, giving him the hope and courage he needs to face the guards and prisoners who are fast closing in on him, but can he manage to pull of the escape without detection or will he be doomed to spend the rest of his days in the confines of prison? Watch the film to find out.

I sat down with the whole family to watch this film on Film 4, late in the evening. For me this was the umpteenth time I have seen the Shawshank Redemption, but it was the first time for my two sons. This was probably a mistake because within just a few minutes of the start I began to realise that it is really inappropriate for my nine year old, who I promptly sent to bed, and my twelve year old son really couldn’t handle and didn’t enjoy the issues that are dealt with in the film. The bullying scenes were particularly unpleasant for him and he quickly retired to his bedroom to watch a more appropriate DVD.

The movie was actually adapted from a Steven King short story included in his book ‘Different Seasons’ and the master of horror has proved once again that not only are his books thoroughly enjoyable to read, but they offer the versatility to be made into hugely successful films. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins acting will simply blow you away and the storyline, although very long never gets boring or drags on. If you are a fan of Steven King books, or are just looking for one of the truly great films of our time you must watch The Shawshank Redemption and see first hand the brilliance and thought provoking nature of this classic movie.

While watching the film I benefited from the recent comments made in Empire magazine about the subtlety of Morgan Freeman’s acting when he is eventually paroled. Having been forewarned by the article it was interesting to see just how little he moves in that scene, and the skill with which he acts the part. I think this is one of the best films ever made, and Freeman’s part in delivering the whole experience is vital, he is the cornerstone that provides the crucial foundations for the film.

My overall recommendation: don’t let it bring you down, enjoy the music at the end of the film, and analyse the acting skills that are amply displayed throughout the whole film.

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Full cast list for The Shawshank Redemption: Alan R. Kessler, Alfonso Freeman, Alonzo F. Jones, Bill Bolender, Bob Gunton, Brad Mavis, Brad Spencer, Brian Brophy, Brian Delate, Brian Libby, Charlie Kearns, Chuck Brauchler, Claire Slemmer, Clancy Brown, Cornell Wallace, Dana Snyder, David Hecht, David Proval, Dennis Baker, Dion Anderson, Don McManus, Donald Zinn, Dorothy Silver, Eugene C. DePasquale, Frank Medrano, Gary Lee Davis, Gil Bellows, Gordon Greene, Harold E. Cope Jr., James Babson, James Kisicki, James Whitmore, Jeffrey DeMunn, Jodiviah Stepp, Joe Pecoraro, John D. Craig, John E. Summers, John Horton, John R. Woodward, Joseph Ragno, Jude Ciccolella, Ken Magee, Larry Brandenburg, Mack Miles, Mark Rolston, Michael Lightsey, Morgan Freeman, Morgan Lund, Ned Bellamy, Neil Giuntoli, Neil Summers, Paul Kennedy, Paul McCrane, Renee Blaine, Richard Doone, Rob Reider, Robert Haley, Rohn Thomas, Ron Newell, Scott Mann, Tim Robbins, V.J. Foster, William Sadler.